SRI SATHYA SAI VIDYA JYOTHI (SSSVJ)

 Inspiring children by Empowering Schools

 

Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyothi programme, launched in 2016, has gained full momentum across the country with the active participation of thousands of samithis in the task ahead. The aim of this programme is to select existing, semi‐ operational, makeshift, dilapidated schools and turn them into fully operational , well‐structured, collaborative schools, ultimately emerging into good healthy learning centres.

 

Since a school is more than just a brick and mortar structure, the program will take a more holistic view of the entire ecosystem. Multiple stakeholders like the parent, the teacher, the school staff, the student, the villager, the volunteer and even the government department is approached, interviewed, involved and leveraged on a need basis, in constructively shaping the learning environment for the child. Physical activity, cultural programs, value oriented discussions, grama sabhas, sports activities are all leveraged to inspire the child and equip the school.

 

The Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations (SSSSO) has undertaken this program for two important reasons: One, to increase sadhana-oriented Engagement through a common project at national level. And, two, for increasing value-adding Outreach, especially of new youth. These are its organizational goals.

 

1. Engagement: The SSSSO has many Sai centers/Samithis spread all over the world, including India. Within these Samithis there are also many vibhags like mahilas, youth, men sevadal, Bal Vikas etc. These various centers and vibhags have all done wonderful work in their own silos. The hope of this SSSVJ program is to use it as a tool to create and also increase the collaboration, interaction and engagement of the existing SSSO members.

2. Outreach: The message of Bhagawan is invaluable and priceless. It has helped millions. The intention of this objective is to share these treasures with as many people as possible. Our goal is not “missionary” in that there is no concept of conversion of anyone into some exclusive group or org. Bhagawan’s mission is universal. Instead, our intent is to reach out to as many different segments of society to spread the golden message of Bhagawan. The best way to communicate and share the message of Bhagawan is to provide the world tools and platforms to explore and become aware of the messages. SSSVJ is a tool for existing volunteers to gain deeper insights and for newcomers to become aware of the various deep insights Bhagawan has shared with all of us.

 

SSSVJ project does not interfere with the school curriculum; its focus is on the improvement of the academic learning environment at the school, home and the village.

 

 In the first phase called the 'Energise' phase, the attempt is to create interest, enthusiasm and fervour for this type of activity in students, teachers, school staff, parents and community.

 

'Empower' phase establishes the commitment of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation to the school by by providing teaching aids, library, books and enhancing the skills of the teachers. This stage brings out the willingness, enthusiasm, participation and capability of the schools.

 

The process of 'Equip' phase is on cost‐intensive civil works like repairs to the dilapidated infrastructure, building of additional class rooms, repairs to damaged floors or leaky roofs, construction of compound walls, whitewashing of walls etc.

 

Thus the physical condition and appearance of the schools gets transformed.

 

In the 'Evolve' phase, the school is connected with the larger community by engaging the students in community compeons, linking schools and by impacting Government policy to meet deficiencies, if any.

 

In the state of Andhra Pradesh, 137 schools have been identified as of November 2018 and work is going on in several rural and semi‐urban schools.

 

Year 2018:

 

• 1. Books distribution programme was undertaken in several Vidya Jyothi Schools in AP.
• 2. 800 students received books and examination pads in one of the SSSVJ Schools.
• 3. One Govt. Primary school at Gompavanipalem has been developed as a Model School. The activities taken up here are : Total renovation of toilets and bathrooms, New septic tank, New toy room, Benches, Painting, Plantation etc. at an estimated cost of Rs. 4 Lakhs. 
• 4. A poor student studying IIT was paid Rs. 70,000/‐ as fee for one semester. Also, a projector and books were rendered to a school under Vidya Jyothi Project at Singnagar.
• 5. Awareness classes were conducted especially in Government schools in association with gynaecologists to enlighten girl students about health and safety. Republic Day Celebrations at Vidya Jyothi School On the occasion of Republic Day, the students were engaged in games and the winners were awarded prizes.
• 6. The importance of republic Day was conveyed to them by the chief guest. On 22‐02‐2018, Scout dresses, Ties, Socks and Badges were distributed to 24 students of MPP School, Ayyannapeta by SSSS Samithi, VUDA Colony, Vizianagaram district as distributed under SSS Vidya Jyothi programme. District office bearers of Scouts and guides participated on the occasion .
• 7. Generally, the SSSVJ programme has provided opportunities for participation of large number of volunteers, the young and the old alike.

The following table shows the number of schools adopted under Vidya Jyothi scheme in Andhra Pradesh as on November 2018

                                                                                                                  

District	Number of SSS VJ Schools in AP
Anantapur	10
Chittoor	4
East Godavari	23
Kadapa	3
Krishna	7
Kurnool	2
Nellore	3
Prakasam	6
Srikakulam	23
Visakhapatnam	18
Vizianagaram	14
West Godavari	24
Total	137

 

***** Jai Sairam